PREPARING FOR FUNERAL LITURGIES...1 “At the hour of our death” PREPARING FOR FUNERAL LITURGIES ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, NC 28277 704.543.7677

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“At the hour of our death”

PREPARING FOR FUNERAL LITURGIES ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH

8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, NC 28277

704.543.7677

I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again to take you to myself.

John 14:2-3

Pastor – Monsignor John J. McSweeney

Bereavement Coordinator – Rita Brennan

Director of Music – Kathy Bartlett

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Theology of the Liturgical Rites at Death 3

Liturgical Rites 5

A) The Vigil for the Deceased 5

B) The Funeral Liturgy 6

C) Rite of Committal 9

Thoughts on Planning for a Catholic Funeral 10

Instructions for Funeral Planning 12

Funeral Planning Worksheets and Information Sheet 13

Scripture Readings for Funeral Liturgies Old Testament 16 Psalms 32 New Testament 51 Gospel 80 Prayers of the Faithful 109

Music Planning Sheet 116

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A THEOLOGY OF THE LITURGICAL RITES AT DEATH

At the death of a Catholic Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of all life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral.

The Church through its funeral rites commends the dead to God’s merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. At the funeral rites, especially at the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, the Christian community affirms and expresses the union of the Church on earth with the Church in heaven in the one great communion of saints.

The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis. (Order of Christian Funerals #4-5)

“If one member suffers in the Body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that

member” (1 Corinthians 12:26). For this reason, those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are responsible for one another. When Christians are sick, their brothers and sisters share a ministry of mutual charity and

“do all that they can to help the sick return to health, by showing love for the sick, and by celebrating the

Sacraments with them.” (Roman Ritual, Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum)

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So too when a member of Christ’s Body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love. Christian consolation is rooted in that hope that comes from faith in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief but trusts confidently that the power of sin and death has been vanquished by the risen Lord. The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn. (Order of Christian Funerals #8)

In the past you have loved others, comforted them and shared their losses. During the hours ahead it will be your turn, your time to be loved, to be comforted and to let others share your grief.

Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love. Texts of songs chosen for the funeral rites will express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death, and triumph over death and may be related to the readings from Scripture. At St. Matthew Catholic Church, we will provide music for the Funeral Liturgy. A sheet with recommended choices of appropriate liturgical music for the rites accompanies this material. A cantor will be present to assist the assembly’s full participation in the sung portions of the liturgy, unless requested otherwise.

The Bereavement Ministry will assist the family in making the following choices, as required:

. Which liturgical rites?

. Day and time of each chosen rite

. Scripture and music preferences

. Individuals to perform tasks such as placing the pall, presenting the gifts, serving as reader,

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LITURGICAL RITES

During these rites the Christian community affirms its faith in the communion of saints and the resurrection of the dead. The family and friends are helped in their time of sorrow with prayer and song. Thus they express present grief even as they hold to the Church’s lasting hope.

There are three Stations:

The Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy (usually a Mass) and the Rite of Committal.

A) THE VIGIL FOR THE DECEASED

At the Vigil, the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ’s presence…In this time of loss the family and community turn to God’s word as the source of faith and hope, as light and life in the face of darkness and death. Consoled by the redeeming Word of God and by the abiding presence of Christ and His Spirit, the assembly at the Vigil calls upon the Father of mercy to receive the deceased into the kingdom of light and peace. (Order of Christian Funerals, 56)

The Vigil, often referred to as a “wake,” includes the period of time during which the Church prays with the family prior to the main funeral liturgy. The Vigil may take place on the evening before the funeral liturgy or for a period of time prior to the funeral liturgy. Usually there is a two-hour gathering, and by request, there may be a liturgy at the mid-point or end of the visitation. Most funeral homes offer their facilities for the Vigil. If you prefer, you can have the vigil in the Daily Mass Chapel the evening before the funeral mass or 1 hour before the mass on the day of the funeral.

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B) THE FUNERAL LITURGY

The Funeral Liturgy is the central prayer of the Christian community for the deceased. Usually the Funeral Liturgy is a Mass, but in certain pastoral situations the decision may be made to celebrate the Funeral Liturgy without Mass, i.e., with a Liturgy of the Word and the Commendation and Farewell. In this latter case, no Vigil Liturgy will be conducted.

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Introductory rites

In the act of receiving the body, the members of the community acknowledge the deceased as one of their own, as one who was welcomed in baptism and who held a place in the assembly. (Order of Christian Funerals, #131)

If there is a vessel containing ashes, it will already be set upon a pedestal in front of the Sanctuary or Daily Mass Chapel, covered by the Pall.

Greeting

Sprinkling with Holy Water

Placing of the Pall (if casketed funeral)

Placing of Christian Symbols

A symbol of the Christian life, such as a Book of the Gospels, a Bible, or a Crucifix,

may be placed on the coffin.

Entrance Procession of Priest, assisting ministers, coffin and mourners.

During this procession a hymn is sung.

Opening Prayer

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LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading Responsorial Psalm (led in song by the cantor) Second Reading Gospel Homily General Intercessions

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Preparation of the Gifts, during which a hymn is sung. Eucharistic Prayer Communion Rite; during Communion a hymn is sung. Final Commendation Invitation to Prayer Signs of Farewell, Hymn of Farewell Prayer of Commendation Procession to the place of committal A hymn by the entire assembly, or only by cantor or choir, during the recession from the church.

Funeral with body present at mass Funeral with cremains present at mass

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Please note: NO EULOGIES (talks by family or friends) are permitted during the Funeral Mass. It is recommended that eulogies be done at the Vigil, the reception or another appropriate time acceptable to the priest/deacon.

St. Matthew Columbarium area in woods behind the church. This area is lit at night so visitation is available 24/7/365.

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C) RITE OF COMMITTAL

The Rite of Committal is the Church’s final act of prayer in the presence of the deceased. These rites are held at the place of burial. The prayers are brief and bring the entire liturgical process to a conclusion.

Usually, the burial follows immediately after the Funeral Liturgy. The Rite of Committal also includes appropriate prayers for situations in which cremation is chosen. When cremation takes place after the Funeral Liturgy, the Rite of Committal is carried out when the ashes are ready for burial.

ABOUT CREMATION

Please note: the Catholic Church permits cremation (since 1963) as an acceptable, alternative means of burial. It is preferred that cremation occur after the celebration of the Funeral Liturgy; the Rite of Committal then takes place after the cremated remains have been prepared by the Funeral Home. However, the Funeral Mass may be celebrated with the cremated remains present.

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea (burial at sea is allowed), from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. Whenever possible, appropriate means for recording with dignity the memory of the deceased should be adopted, such as a plaque or stone which records the name of the deceased. (Order of Christian Funerals #417)

A “Memorial Mass” may be celebrated after burial or interment (such as, in a situation where the burial takes place out of state and a memorial Mass is desired for our local faith community).

If notice is given in the obituary concerning donations to the parish “in lieu of flowers,” it is requested that they be directed to “St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, P O Box 49349, Charlotte, NC 28277.”

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PLANNING FOR A CATHOLIC FUNERAL

For thousands of year, funerals have been a means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone we love.

The Funeral Ceremony… Helps us acknowledge that someone we love has died.

Helps us remember the person who died and encourages us to share those memories withothers.

Offers a time and place for us to talk about the life and death of the person who died.

Provides a social support system for us and other friends and family members.

Allows us to search for the meaning of life and death in the context of our faith.

Offers continuity and hope for the living.

One of the most important gifts of planning a meaningful funeral is that it helps family and friends to focus their thoughts and feelings on something positive. The funeral encourages them to think about the person who has died and to explore the meaning of that person’s life and the ways in which he/she touched the lives of others. It is also a time and place for them to reaffirm their faith in new life after death.

The remembering, deciding and reflecting that takes place in the planning of the service are often an important part of the process of grief and mourning. And ultimately, this process of contemplation and discovery creates a memorable and moving funeral experience for all who attend.

PURPOSES OF THE FUNERAL

Reality – when someone we love dies, we are faced with acknowledging a difficult reality. It is hard to truly accept the finality of death, but the funeral helps us begin to do so. At first we accept it with our heads, and only over time do we come to accept it with our hearts.

Recall – Funerals help us begin to convert our relationship with the person who died from one of presence to one of memory. When we come together to share our memories, we learn things we didn’t know and we see how the person’s life touched others.

Support – Funerals are social gatherings that bring together people who cared about the person who died. This reason for funerals is especially important to remember if the person who died liked to say “I don’t want a funeral. Don’t go to any trouble.” Funerals are in remembrance of the person who died, but they are for the living. Those who loved the person who died need and benefit from having a special time to support one another in their grief.

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Expression – So many thoughts and feelings fill our minds and our hearts when someone we love dies. Collectively, these thoughts and feelings are what we mean by the term “grief.” In other words, grief is what’s inside us. When we express our grief – by crying, talking to others, sharing memories, taking part in a funeral ceremony – we are mourning. Mourning is grief communicated outwardly. When we grieve but do not mourn, our sadness can feel unbearable and many other emotions can fester inside of us. Mourning helps us begin to heal. The funeral is an essential time for mourning.

Meaning – Did the person I love have a good life? What is life, anyway? There are no simple explanations, but the funeral gives us a time and a place to hold the questions in our hearts and begin to find our way to answers that give us peace.

Transcendence – Funerals have a way of getting us to wake up – to think about what we truly care about and how we want to spend our precious remaining days. Ultimately, funerals help us embrace the wonder of life and death and remind us to live deeply, with joy and love.

As you consider the funeral, try to remember that planning a funeral is not a burden, but a privilege. Think of the funeral as a gift to the person who died as well as his friends and family. It is a chance for all to think about and express the value of the life that was lived. It is also a chance to say goodbye. This is not to deny the need of friends and family members to mourn and to embrace painful feelings of grief in the coming days. They may feel deep sadness as they plan this funeral and begin to acknowledge the reality of the death. But when all is said and done, all those involved in planning the funeral also feel deep satisfaction that they have helped plan a meaningful tribute. And those who loved the person who died begin to acknowledge the reality of the death.

Planning and attending a meaningful funeral can have a lasting and profoundly important impact on the lives of so many people. Tapping into the power of ceremony assists them on their journey to transcendence.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUNERAL LITURGY PLANNING

Attached are various forms, such as worksheet for funeral planning, song sheet plus a list of suggested songs, and an information sheet pertaining to the deceased. Please fill out these sheets as completely as you can. If you are planning for the future, you don’t have to fill in who will be reading the Word or who will be presenting the gifts at mass as you may not know who will be attending the funeral. These people can be chosen at a later date.

We suggest that the first thing you do is choose the songs (4) which will be sung at the liturgy. Most people have favorites, but please look at the list as you may find some hidden treasures. You may want to look at the songs in the Music Issue found in the pews.

Next, you are to choose one reading from each: Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament and Gospel, as well as one page of the prayers of the faithful. While these are the approved readings for funerals, if you have a favorite scripture reading, it could be used with approval of the presider. We suggest that family, or good friends, be picked to read the Old and New Testament readings, as well as the Prayers of the Faithful. The Cantor will sing the Psalm and the presider will read the Gospel.

After you have picked out the readings, please print a copy of the Old Testament and New Testament readings and the Prayers of the Faithful so your people can practice. We will have a copy in a book on the ambo the day of the funeral, therefore, they do not need to take their copy with them. Please have those reading meet with the ministers 30 minutes prior to mass so that we can go over some things before the mass begins. The presider will call the reader up by name when it is time for them to read. Also have those bringing up the gifts arrive 30 minutes prior to mass.

Please fill out the worksheet, making sure you write chapter and verse on the designated line, keep one copy for your family, and submit the other copy along with the song sheet and information page to the St. Matthew Bereavement Ministry of Consolation. Masses are said Monday thru Friday at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. in either the Daily Mass Chapel or the main Sanctuary. The Daily Mass Chapel can accommodate 150-200 people. If you would like to have the visitation in the Daily Mass Chapel the evening before the funeral mass, or 1 hour before the mass, this can be arranged.

If you have any questions, please call me.

St. Matthew Bereavement Ministry of Consolation

Rita Brennan – Coordinator 704.543.7677, ext. 1007 or 704.614.2109

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WORKSHEET FOR FAMILY

PLEASE FILL IN THIS FORM SO THAT WE CAN ASSIST YOU IN PLANNING THE LITURGY FOR YOUR LOVED ONE _______________________________________ Old Testament Reading ____________________________ Reader ______________________ Responsorial Psalm _________________________________ Kathy Bartlett or Cantor New Testament Reading _____________________________ Reader ______________________ Gospel Reading ____________________________________ Celebrant Prayers of the Faithful (page #)_________ _______________Reader _____________________ Presentation of Gifts: ______________________________________________________________ Will family place pall on casket? Yes _____ No ______(cross or bible placed on casket?_____ (provided by family) (This will be done just as the Mass starts and before you are seated in the pew – the casket will be sprinkled with Holy Water in remembrance of Baptism and then the pall [which represents the Baptismal garment] placed on the casket) Use Incense? Yes ____ No _____ (Incense represents our prayers going to Heaven) Additional Notes: Return one copy to facilitator – keep one copy for family

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WORKSHEET FOR FAMILY

PLEASE FILL IN THIS FORM SO THAT WE CAN ASSIST YOU IN PLANNING

THE LITURGY FOR YOUR LOVED ONE _______________________________________

Old Testament Reading ____________________________ Reader ______________________

Responsorial Psalm _________________________________ Kathy Bartlett or Cantor

New Testament Reading _____________________________ Reader ______________________

Gospel Reading ____________________________________ Celebrant

Prayers of the Faithful (page #)_________ _______________Reader _____________________

Presentation of Gifts: ______________________________________________________________

Will family place pall on casket? Yes _____ No ______(cross or bible placed on casket?_____ (provided by family)

(This will be done just as the Mass starts and before you are seated in the pew – the casket will be sprinkled with Holy Water in remembrance of Baptism and then the pall [which represents the Baptismal garment] placed on the casket)

Use Incense? Yes ____ No _____ (Incense represents our prayers going to Heaven)

Additional Notes:

Return one copy to facilitator – keep one copy for family

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Special Characteristics:

Special Interests:

INFORMATION SHEET

Name of Deceased: ______________________________ Birth Date: _____________

Date of Death: ____________________ Date of Mass: ______________________

Place Born: ________________________

Parents still living?___________How many brothers/sisters: ___________

Date:_______________________ Married to: ________________________

How Many Children: ________________

Names of children:

What type of employment:________________________________________________

Grandchildren_______________

What I will always remember about him/her:

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OLD

TESTAMENT

READINGS

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A Reading from the Second Book of Maccabees

(2 Maccabees 12:43-46)

Judas (the ruler of Israel) then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.

The Word of the Lord …..

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A Reading from the Book of Job

(Job 19:1, 23-27)

Job answered and said:

Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record:

That with an iron chisel and with lead They were cut in the rock forever!

But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, And that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;

Whom I myself shall see: My own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him,

And from my flesh I shall see God; My inmost being is consumed with longing.

The Word of the Lord …….

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A Reading from the Book of Proverbs

(Proverbs 16: 9, 19-21) In his mind a man plans his course, But the Lord directs his steps. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, But it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. The word of the Lord………

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A Reading from the Book of Proverbs

(Chapter 31) When one finds a truly good woman, she is worth more than gems. She is energetic, a hard worker, and generously gives to the needy. A woman of strength and dignity, she has no fear of old age. When she speaks, her words are wise and kindness rules all she says. Her husband and children stand and bless her with these words “There are many fine women in this world, but you are the best of them all.” A woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. The word of the Lord………

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A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes

(Ecclesiastes: 3:1-4) There is an appointed time for everything. And a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. The Word of the Lord…..

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A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) There is an appointed time for everything, And a time for every affair under the heavens, A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot the plant, A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; A time to embrace and a time to be far from embraces; A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to be silent and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace. What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. The word of the Lord …..

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A Reading from the Book of Sirach

(Sirach 2:1-11)

My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great. Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed? Compassionate and merciful is the Lord; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble. The Word of the Lord…..

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A Reading from the Book of Wisdom

(Wisdom 3:1-9) The souls of the just are in the hand of God, And no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; And their passing away was thought an affliction And their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, Yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, Because God tried them And found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them And as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of visitation they shall shine, And shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples And the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, And the Faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, And his care is with his elect. The Word of the Lord …..

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(Wisdom 3:1-6, 9) The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; And their passing away was thought an affliction And their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, Yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, Because God tried them And found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them And as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, And the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, And his care is with his elect. The Word of the Lord…..

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(Wisdom 4:7-15) The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not With the passing of time, Nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, And an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. He who pleased God was loved; And who lived among sinners was transported – Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind Or deceit beguile his soul; For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right And the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, He reached the fullness of a long career; For his soul was pleasing to the Lord, Therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, Nor did they take this into account. Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, And his care is with his elect. The Word of the Lord ……

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A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

(Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9) On this mountain the lord of hosts Will provide for all peoples. On this mountain he will destroy The veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away The tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove From the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken. On that day it will be said; “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked: Let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” The Word of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:28-31) Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagle’s wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. The Word of the Lord……

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A Reading from the Book of Lamentations (Lamentations 3:17-26) My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, All that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty Is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over Leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, As my reason to have hope; The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, So great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord says my soul; Therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him To the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence For the saving help of the Lord. The Word of the Lord …..

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A Reading from the Book of Lamentations

(Lamentations 3:22-26) The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, So great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; Therefore will I hope in Him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him To the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence For the saving help of the Lord. The word of the Lord……

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A Reading from the Book of Daniel

(Daniel 12:1-3) I Daniel, mourned and I heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress Since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, Everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep In the dust of the earth shall awake: Some shall live forever, Others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. But the wise shall shine brightly Like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice Shall be like the stars forever.” The Word of the Lord ……

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PSALMS

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PSALM 8 – How Glorious is Your Name Response: O Lord, Our God, how glorious your name. How glorious your name over all the earth When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what are we that you keep us in mind? Your children that you remember them at all? Response Yet you have made us little less than gods, with glory and honor you crowned us, gave us power over the work of your hands, dominion over all that you have made. Response All sheep and oxen, all things that swim in the sea. Beasts without number, life without names, you have placed under our feet. Response

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PSALM 23 Response: Shepherd me, Oh God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace. Response Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your name. Response Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope. Response You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my power to hold. Response Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forever more. Response

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PSALM 25 (Alternate)

Response: Remember your mercies, teach me your ways

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me, teach me your paths, Guide me, teach me, for you are my Savior. Response

Remember your compassion, Lord and your kindness of old. Remember this, and not my sins, in your goodness, O Lord. Response

Good and just is the Lord, the sinners know the way, God guides the meek to justice, and teaches the humble. Response

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PSALM 25 Response: To you, O Lord, I lift my soul, to you, I lift my soul. Lord, make me know your ways, teach me your paths and keep me in the way of your truth, for you are God, my Savior. Response For the Lord is good and righteous, revealing the way to those who wander, gently leading the poor and the humble. Response To the ones who seek the Lord, who look to God’s word, who live God’s love, God will always be near and will show them mercy. Response

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PSALM 27 Response: The Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom should I be afraid, of whom shall I be afraid. The Lord is my light and my help, whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, before whom should I shrink? Response There is one thing I ask of the Lord; for this I long, to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Response I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, hope in God and take heart. Hope in the Lord. Response

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PSALM 33 Let your Mercy be on Us

Response: Let your mercy be on us, O God, Let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in you.

or

Response: The earth is full of the goodness of God, the goodness of our God.

or

Response: Happy are the people the Lord has chosen, chosen to be his own.

Your words, O God, are truth indeed, and all your works are ever faithful; you love justice and right, your compassion fills all creation. Response

See how the eye of God is watching, ever guarding all who wait in hope, to deliver them from death and sustain them in time of famine. Response

Exult, you just, in the Lord, for praise is the song of the righteous. How happy the people of God, the ones whom God has chosen. Response

Our soul is waiting for God, for God is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O God, be upon us who place our hope in you. Response

39

PSALM 34 Taste and See RESPONSE: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord, the goodness of the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times, God’s praise ever in my mouth. Glory in the Lord forever, and the lowly will hear and be glad. Response Glory in the Lord with me, let us together extol God’s name. I sought the Lord, who answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Response Look to God that you might be radiant with joy, and your faces free from all shame. The Lord hears the suffering souls, and saves them from all distress. Response

40

PSALM 42 and 43 Song of Longing RESPONSE: Like a deer that longs for the running water, so my soul longs for you, O God, my God. My soul is longing for God, the God who gives me my life. Like a land rainless and barren, like a man far from his home-land. Oh, your love is better than living, and my lips shall sing your praise. In your name I lift my hands, I will bless you all my days. RESPONSE My God is gladness and joy, my rock and shelter is God, as the sky gladdens the sparrow, so do I long for my God, as the dawn gladdens the watchman, to my eyes your light is a vision, to my heart your truth you give, these, O God, shall lead me on to the mountain where you live. RESPONSE Why are you so downcast, my soul? Why do you sigh within me? Hope in God. O I will praise him still. RESPONSE

41

PSALM 63 Your Love is Finer than Life Response: Oh God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, your love is finer than life. As a dry and weary desert land, so my soul is thirsting for my God, and my flesh is faint for the God I seek, for your love is more to me than life. Response I think of you when at night I rest, I reflect upon your steadfast love, I will cling to you, O Lord my God, in the shadow of your wings I sing. Response I will bless your name all the days I live, I will raise my hands and call on you, my joyful lips shall sing your praise, you alone have filled my hungry soul. Response

42

PSALM 85 Lord, Let Us See Your Kindness

RESPONSE: Lord, let us see your kindness, Lord, let us see your kindness.

Let us hear what our God proclaims, Peace to the people of God, salvation is near to the ones who fear God. RESPONSE

Kindness and truth, justice and peace; truth shall spring up as the water from the earth, justice shall rain from the heavens. RESPONSE

The lord will come and shall know his love, justice shall walk in his pathways, salvation the gift that he brings. RESPONSE

43

PSALM 91 Be With Me

RESPONSE: Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble, be with me, Lord, I pray.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Most High, who abide in the shadow of our God, say to the Lord: “My refuge and fortress, the God in whom I trust.” RESPONSE

No evil shall fall you, no pain come near, for the angels stand close by your side, guarding you always and bearing you gently, watching over your life. RESPONSE

Those who cling to the Lord live secure in God’s love, lifted high, those who trust in God’s name, call on the Lord who will never forsake you, God will bring you salvation and joy. RESPONSE

44

PSALM 95 If Today You Hear God’s Voice RESPONSE: If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. Come, ring out our joy to the Lord, hail the rock who saves us, let us come now before our God, with songs let us hail the Lord. RESPONSE Come, let us bow and bend low, let us kneel before God who made us, for here is our God; we the people, the flock that is led by God’s hand. RESPONSE O that today you would hear God’s voice, “Harden not your hearts, as on that day in the desert, when your parents put me to the test.” RESPONSE

45

PSALM 98 All the Ends of the Earth RESPONSE: All the ends of the earth have seen the power of God; all the ends of the earth have seen the power of God. Or RESPONSE: Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done wonderful deeds. Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done wonderful deeds.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done wondrous deeds; whose right hand has won the victory for us, God’s holy arm. RESPONSE The Lord has made salvation known, and justice revealed to all, remembering kindness and faithfulness to Israel. RESPONSE All the ends of earth have seen salvation by our God, Joyfully sing out all you lands, break forth in song. RESPONSE Sing to the Lord with harp and song, with trumpet and with horn, Sing in your joy before the king, the kind, our Lord. RESPONSE

46

PSALM 103 Response: The Lord is kind and merciful. Merciful and gracious is the Lord, Slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, Nor does he requite us according to our crimes. Response As a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust. Response Man’s days are like those of grass; Like a flower of the field he blooms; The wind sweeps over him and he is gone, And his place knows him no more. Response But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity To eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward children’s children Among those who keep his covenant And remember to fulfill his precepts. Response

47

PSALM 116 Our Blessing Cup RESPONSE: Our blessing cup is a communion with the blood of the Lord. How can I make a return to the Lord for all God has done for me? The cup of salvation, I will take up, I will call on the name of the Lord. RESPONSE Precious, indeed, in the sight of the Lord is the death of the faithful ones; and I am your servant, your chosen one, for you have set me free. RESPONSE Unto your name I will offer my thanks for the debt that I owe to you, In the presence of all who have called on your name, in the courts of the house of the Lord. RESPONSE

48

PSALM 116 The Name of God RESPONSE; I will take the cup of life, God’s name all my days. I will take the cup of life, God’s name all my days. or RESPONSE: Our blessing cup is a communion with the blood of Christ. How can I make a return for the goodness of God? This saving cup I will bless and sing, and call the name of God. RESPONSE The dying of those who keep faith is precious to our God. I am your servant called from your hands, you have set me free. RESPONSE To you I will offer my thanks and call upon your name. You are my promise for all to see, I love your name, O God. RESPONSE

49

PSALM 130 WITH THE LORD THERE IS MERCY RESPONSE: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. From out of the depths, I cry unto you, Lord, hear my voice, come hear my prayer, O let your ear be open to my pleading. RESPONSE If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, then who could stand within your sight? But in you is found forgiveness for our failings. RESPONSE Just as those who wait for the morning light, even more I long for the Lord, my God, whose word to me shall ever be my comfort. RESPONSE

50

PSALM 138 The Fragrance of Christ RESPONSE: Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight, may this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ. or RESPONSE: In the presence of the angels, O Lord, may we praise your name, may we praise your name. or RESPONSE: Lord, on the day that I cried out for help, you answered me, you answered me. I will thank you, Lord, with all of my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you, I will adore before your holy temple. RESPONSE I will thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love, beyond all my hopes and dreams, On the day that I called you answered; you gave life to the strength of my soul, RESPONSE All who live on earth shall give you thanks when they hear the words of your voice. And all shall sing of your ways; “How great is the glory of God!” RESPONSE

51

NEW

TESTAMENT

READINGS

52

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

(Acts 10:34-43) Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” The Word of the Lord ….

53

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

(Acts 10:34-36, 42-43) Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” The Word of the Lord ….

54

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans

(Romans 5:5-11) Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. The Word of the Lord…..

55


(Romans 5:17-21) If, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous. The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Word of the Lord…..

56

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans (Romans 6:3-9) Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. The Word of the Lord…..

57


(Romans 6:3-4, 8-9) Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. The Word of the Lord …..

58


(Romans 8:14-23) Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. The Word of the Lord….

59

A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:28-30) We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. The Word of the Lord…..

60


(Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39) If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed Him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word of the Lord……

61


(Romans 14:7-12) None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why then do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you look down on your brother or sister? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God. The Word of the Lord….

62


(Romans 14:7-9) None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die we die for the Lord; So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. The Word of the Lord……

63

A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

(1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8) Set your heart on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. Love never fails. The Word of the Lord ….

64


(1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom of his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.” But when it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it excludes the one who subjected everything to him. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all. The Word of the Lord….

65


(1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. The Word of the Lord…..

66


(1 Corinthians 15:51-57) Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of any eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of the Lord ….

67

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

(2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1) We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. The Word of the Lord ….

68

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

(2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10) We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. So we are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil. The Word of the Lord ….

69

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians

(Philippians 3:20-21) Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. The Word of the Lord …..

70

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians (Philippians. 4:4-9) Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brother and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. The Word of the Lord………

71

A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus, we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words. The Word of the Lord ….

72

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy

(2 Timothy 2:8-13) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him If we persevere, we shall also reign with Him, But if we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. The Word of the Lord….

73

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:1-2a, 5-8) I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by him appearing and in kingly power; proclaim the word, be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. The Word of the Lord…..

74

A Reading from the First Letter of John

(1 John 3:1-2) See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet, so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed, we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is. The Word of the Lord ….

75

A Reading from the First Letter of John

(1 John 3:14-16) We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that Jesus laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. The Word of the Lord ….

76

A Reading from the First Letter of John (1John 4:7-17, 19) Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us; God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love; not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. We love because he first loved us. The Word of the Lord…..

77

A Reading from the Book of Revelation

(Revelation 14:13)

I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from the labors, for their works accompany them.” The Word of the Lord …..

78


(Revelation 20:11-21:1) I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. The Word of the Lord …

79


(Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7) I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.” The Word of the Lord ….

80

GOSPEL

READINGS

81

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

(Matthew 5:1-12a) When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely for your reward will be great in heaven.” The Gospel of the Lord….

82

A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew (Matthew 6:25-34) Therefore I tell you; do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink) or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, “What are we to eat?” or “What are we to drink?” or “What are we to wear?” All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. The Gospel of the Lord……

83

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 11:25-30) On one occasion Jesus spoke thus: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” The Gospel of the Lord….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 25:1-13) The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, “Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise ones replied, “No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.” While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But he said in reply, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. The Gospel of the Lord…..

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew

(Matthew 25:31-40) When the son of man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “come, you are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and visit you?” And the king will say in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” The Gospel of the Lord

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46)

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you are blessed by my father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink.” When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.” Then they will answer and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?” He will answer them, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. The Gospel of the Lord….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark

(Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6) At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, he is calling Elijah.” One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.” Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go and anoint him. Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke

(Luke 7:11-17) Jesus journeyed to a city called Naim and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region. The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(Luke 12:35-40) Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(Luke 23:33, 39-43) When they came to the place called Skull, they crucified Jesus and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53, 24:1-6) It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” and when he had said this he breathed his last. Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. But at daybreak on the first day of the week the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53)

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit;” and when he had said this he breathed his last. Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. The Gospel of the Lord….

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(Luke 24:13-35) Now that very day, two of the disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary

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that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(Luke 24:13-16, 28-35) Now that very day, two of the disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened, that while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. The Gospel of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John

(John 5:24-29) Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. The Gospel of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John

(John 6:37-40) Jesus said to the crowd: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” The Gospel of the Lord …..

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to John

(John 6:51-59) Jesus said to the crowd: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” The Gospel of the Lord …..

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(John 11:17-27) When Jesus arrived in Bethany he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One who is coming into the world.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 11:21-27) Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me, even if he dies, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into this world.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 11:32-45) When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?” So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him. The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 12:23-28) Jesus told his disciples: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” “I am troubled now, yet what should I say? Father, save me from this hour?” But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then, a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 12:23-26) Jesus told his disciples: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 14: 1-6) Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The Word of the Lord ….

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A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to John (John 15:4-17) Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment; love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another. The Gospel of the Lord….

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(John 17:20-26) I pray, not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Father, my disciples are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” The Gospel of the Lord ….

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(John 19:17-18, 25-30) Jesus carrying the cross himself went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”And bowing his head, he handed over his spirit. The Gospel of the Lord…..

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(John 20:11-18) But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, “I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her. The Gospel of the Lord…..

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PRAYERS

OF THE

FAITHFUL

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PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

The Priest begins with a prayer – then you say – Our response is: Lord Hear our Prayer That all the clergy who preach the Gospel, may be given the strength to express in action the words they proclaim, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer That those in public office may promote justice and peace, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That those who bear the cross of pain in mind or body may never feel forsaken by God, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That God may deliver the soul of his servant ______ from the punishment and from the powers of darkness, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That God, in his mercy, may blot out all his/her offenses, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That God may call him/her to full happiness in the company of all the saints, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That God may welcome into his glory those of our families and friends who have departed this life, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer That God may find a place in the kingdom of heaven for all the faithful departed, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our Prayer The priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down after priest finishes prayer.

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PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL The Priest begins with a prayer – then you say – Our response is: Lord Hear our Prayer In Baptism ________ received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead him/her over the waters of death. Let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer Our brother/sister _______ was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome him/her to the halls of the heavenly banquet. Let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. Let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. Let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer The family and friends of ______ seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Let us pray to the Lord

R. Lord hear our prayer We are gathered here in faith and confidence to pray for our brother/sister _______. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. Let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer The priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down after priest finishes prayer.

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The priest begins with a prayer – then you say -- Our response is: Lord hear our prayer For _________________, who in baptism, was given the pledge of eternal life, that he/she may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer For our brother/sister who ate the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he/she may be raised up on the last day, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer For those who have died in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer For the Family and friends of our brother/sister ____________ that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer For all of us gathered here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer The priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down after priest finishes the prayer.

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The priest begins with a prayer – then you say -- Please respond: Lord, hear our prayer For ________, faithful wife/husband, loving mother/father, child of God, that she/he may rest and rejoice in the abundant life and the unending love of God’s eternal kingdom, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer For _______________, that their grief grow into the confident hope and joy of knowing that _______ is with God who made her/him and loves her/him forever. We pray to the Lord …….

R. Lord, hear our prayer For ____________’s loving grandchildren that they may know of her/his love and devotion to them, we pray to the Lord. R. Lord, hear our prayer For ____________________ that they may be consoled in their loss and strengthened in their love for one another, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer For all the family and friends of _______ that they may be comforted and filled with the peace and joy of God’s love, We pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer For all who lovingly cared for ___________ during her/his illness, that they know how grateful we are for their love and support, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer For all of us here today, that we renew our faith, hope and love of Jesus Who is our way, our truth and our life, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer The priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down AFTER he finishes the prayer.

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The priest begins with a prayer – then you say -- Please respond – Lord hear our prayer

Let us pray for __________and his family and friends, and for all God’s people, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer

For _______, child of God and heir to the kingdom, that he be held securely in God’s loving embrace now and for all eternity, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, Hear our prayer

For ________’s family, that they feel the healing power of Christ in the midst of their pain and grief, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord Hear our prayer

For all parents who grieve over the death of their children, that they are comforted in the knowledge that their children dwell with God, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord hear our prayer

For all of ________’s friends, that they may be comforted knowing that he is in the arms of our Lord, we pray to the Lord.


For the whole Church, that we prepare worthily for the hour of our death, when God will call us by name to pass from this world to the next, we pray to the Lord.


Priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down after priest finishes the prayer.

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The priest begins with a prayer and then you say:

Please respond – Lord, hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, mediator between God and men, you chose priests to share your work, through them may all rise with you to the Father, we pray to the Lord.


Make your gospel known to all peoples, that all may come to obey you in faith, we pray to the Lord.


Send forth your spirit, gentlest of consolers, to wipe away the tears of all who mourn, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Purify the souls of the departed and receive them into the company of your saints and chosen ones in heaven, We pray to the Lord.


For all of us gathered here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together in God’s kingdom, we pray to the Lord,


Priest concludes with a prayer – you sit down after priest finishes the prayer.

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MUSIC PLANNING SHEET FOR FUNERALS

We pray that the Liturgy for your loved one will bring peace and comfort to you and your family. We realize that selecting the music may be exactly what you would like to do and maybe not. So the choice is yours. If you know what music you would like, please list the four songs either by circling them or list in the open section of the sheet.* If you are uncertain and would like help, please answer the questions below.

Are there any favorite Church songs that come to mind? Please list here.

Check those that apply:

The music we prefer would be; Classical (i.e. Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Panis Angelicus, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, etc.)

Traditional (i.e. Precious Lord, I am The Bread of Life, Holy, Holy, Holy, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Holy God We Praise thy Name)

Main Stream Catholic (i.e. On Eagle’s Wings, Be Not Afraid, Here I Am, Lord, You are Mine, etc.)

Contemporary (i.e. I Can Only Imagine, Come to Jesus, You Raise Me Up, Above All, Open My Eyes, etc.)

Upbeat and joyful

Calm and soothing

Combination of all

Check here if you would rather have Kathy Bartlett, our Director of Music, select the music.

*Your Song Selections (if not choosing from those above):

Our Director of Music Kathy Bartlett will be singing for all funerals. If she is not available, she will find an appropriate replacement. An organist will be provided to accompany her. Please make your four song selections on the Song Sheet (additional songs are provided on the accompanying list) and return it to the Bereavement Coordinator.

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Songs For Funeral Liturgies

All Creatures of Our God and King All I Ask of You All That is Hidden All the Ends of the Earth Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Amazing Grace As The Deer Longs Ave Maria Be Not Afraid Be Thou My Vision Because the Lord is my Shepherd Blest Are They Blest Be The Lord Bread, Blest and Broken Change Our Hearts City of God Come, Worship the Lord Earthen Vessels Eye Has Not Seen Flow River Flow For You Are My God From All that Dwell Below the Skies Gather us In Gather Your People Oh Lord Give me Jesus Glory and Praise to Our God Go Make a Difference Hail Mary, Gentle Woman Here I Am Lord Here I Am Hosea How Great Thou Art I Am The Bread of Life I Know that My Redeemer Lives Isaiah 49 I Will Choose Christ Irish Blessing Jesus, Come to Us Let There be Peace On Earth Like A Shepherd Look Beyond Lord of Glory Lord of the Dance

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Lord, Who at thy First Eucharist Morning Has Broken Now We Remain On Eagle’s Wings One Bread, One Body Only a Shadow Only In God Only This I Want Our Blessing Cup Out of Darkness Panis Angelicus Peace is Flowing Like a River Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Prayer of St. Francis Precious Lord, Take my Hand River of Glory Servant Song Shepherd Me O God Sing a New Song Sing Out, Earth and Skies Sing of the Lord’s Goodness Sing To the Mountains Song of Farewell Song of the Body of Christ Soon and Very Soon Surely the Presence Table of Plenty Take The Word of God With You Taste and See The Church’s One Foundation This Day God Gives Me Though The Mountains May Fall To Be Your Bread To You, O Lord Turn To Me Unless a Grain of Wheat We Are Many Parts We Are the Light of the World We Have Been Told We Walk By Faith We Will Rise Again Yahweh You Are Mine You Are Near

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PREPARING FOR FUNERAL LITURGIES...1 “At the hour of our death” PREPARING FOR FUNERAL LITURGIES ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, NC 28277 704.543.7677